Uzbekistan Demonstrated Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets During Its Independence Day Celebrations

In Uzbekistan, the country’s Air Force and Air Defense Forces unveiled their first Chinese J-10CE fighter jets on Independence Day.

Uzbek television showed footage of the new aircraft during the main part of the celebrations.

The video featured six J-10CE fighter jets flying in formation and landing at the Karshi-Khanabad Air Base.

One of the six fighter jets bore the tail number 1014.

Rumors about Uzbekistan’s purchase of Chinese fighter jets have been circulating for several years. However, as of today, no official information confirms their acquisition.

Previously, local residents observed these aircraft flying over the country, but because they lacked any distinguishing marks beyond their tail numbers, it is impossible to confirm they belong to Uzbekistan.

One detail that may indicate the aircraft belong to the Uzbek Air Force is the space on the tail for the national flag. Traditionally, Uzbek aircraft have a tail flag painted with slanted edges. The same feature is visible on the J-10CE fighter jets.

Learn more in the author’s article “China’s Mighty Dragon: J-10 Fighter Jet as Triumph of the Nation’s Aviation Industry.”

As of now, the aircraft spotted over the country bear tail numbers 1014 and 1020.

Based on the tail numbers alone, it is difficult to determine exactly how many of these aircraft are in service with the Uzbek Air Force and Air Defense Forces, as tail numbers can start with different digit ranges. This makes it impossible to accurately estimate the total number of aircraft based on their tail numbers.

J-10CE

The aircraft, shown on television and repeatedly spotted flying over the country, is the latest version of the Chinese J-10C fighter jet, manufactured by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, and represents the most extensive modernization of the J-10 program. The “E” in the J-10CE designation stands for the export version of the aircraft.

According to unconfirmed reports, Uzbekistan has ordered 24 fighter jets of this type.

The aircraft is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, and composite structural materials, which have significantly reduced its effective radar cross-section compared to previous models.

Since the mid-2010s, production models have been equipped with the domestically produced WS-10 turbofan engine instead of the previously used Russian AL-31.

A key element of the J-10CE’s combat effectiveness is its missile armament, specifically the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile with active radar homing.

Pakistan remains the only officially confirmed export customer for the J-10CE to date, having received its first six aircraft in March 2022 for the 15th “Cobra” Squadron at Minhas Air Base in Kamra.

Militarnyi previously reported that Bangladesh was preparing to negotiate with China on a possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets, although the country had previously expressed its intention to acquire Eurofighter Typhoons.